Starting my 4th year of fulltiming and been using Verizon since day 1. I just don't think you can beat their coverage.
I started out with Straight Talk and a phone that used the Verizon system = $45/month. That may be a good option for you. You get the Verizon coverage and a cheap plan.
I have now switched to the new Verizon unlimited plan because I am using my phone to tether. For a single like me - $80/month. They use a sliding scale. For 2 or more people it's $100 plus $20 per phone or device. That's why you see the big advertising of $45 per line (4 people).